Thread: Education

Originally Posted by randydance062449

Personally, I can only recommend starting with synthetic hones for a new guy. There is too much variation in the natural Arkie stones and the prep to get them suitable for straight razors.

Just my 2?

There is also a method I use which I have posted about. I can try to find that too.

It is true that you get there faster with synths but one thing to consider is this: one thing all the laps did for me is "hone" my technique also. Since there are more laps needed to get there each one has less effect on the outcome.

It soaked n soaked and scrubbed. Many times. That's as clean as it would get. It's a bit translucent, too.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

So 80 grit is 80 grit silicon carbide sandpaper? wet/dry is aluminum oxide or silicon carbide sandpaper?

No. When I say "sic" I mean silicon carbide powder. By "w/d" I mean wet or dry sandpaper, aluminum oxide.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

No. When I say "sic" I mean silicon carbide powder. By "w/d" I mean wet or dry sandpaper, aluminum oxide.

I think you'll find w/d is Silicon Carbide . At least 3M™ is.
https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/p/d/b40071151/

Good catch. Yes, you are right that some w/d is silicon carbide such as 3M and Gator. Other brands such as Norton and Hercules are aluminum oxide. But you're right and I actually knew that which is the worst part. Thank you for pointing that out.

I think arkies are going to be perfect for me. I'm not good at honing yet. Less might be more for me. Tried to touch up a razor the other day and messed up my edge with 1 micron lapping film. Starting to think I can mess up n anvil with a feather at this point

Be patient. It takes time and practice. As long as you're not heavy handed and do physical damage to it you can always go back. Read plenty of posts and watch the RIGHT honing videos and that will help. Glen (gssixgun) has some good ones. Edge Dynamics has some on his website also. Those are the two I recommend. Also you might be able to meet someone in your area for an in person, one on one instruction if someone is clise by. If that doesn't work you might be able to do a video call to someone. If you decide that Arks are your thing I have a method that works pretty well. I'd be willing to show you that if you have some rocks to play with.

I have been watching Glen's videos.